A new generation of duct slab machines: Far-reaching automation in the production of duct slabs

Olthof Group BV of Sappemeer is managed by the Olthof brothers. The company is active in the production of concrete, precast concrete elements, aggregates, sand and gravel and offers solutions for the intake of railroad ballast, for transport and for the rental of machines and containers. After a previous smooth and fruitful cooperation, they again knocked on Echo Precast Engineering's door for the installation of an extruder X-Liner® FC, which will allow for optimal automation of the production of hollow-core slabs.

Partnership perpetuated

With the purchase of this new, high-performance pipe plate machine, Olthof BV perpetuates its collaboration with Echo Precast Engineering nv, part of the Progress Group, of Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium. The cooperation started with an earlier order for an ultra-precise automatic SmartJet® plotter for Weep Hole Drilling (drilling unit for dewatering holes), a Multi-Angle sawing machine and a high-performance concrete suction dredger. This allowed Echo Precast Engineering to fulfill all of Olthof Prefab's requirements.

At Olthof Prefab, they appreciate the quality, speed of delivery and professionalism of Echo Precast Engineering. They see Echo Precast Engineering as a partner who is on the ball, thinks proactively and matches their own ambitions. Echo Precast's close and personal collaboration with Area Sales Manager Roeland Reenaers and Managing Director Stef Verhelst are also cited as important assets, as is their extreme service orientation during every phase of the project.

The X-Liner highlighted

The new extruder X-Liner® FC will enable Olthof Prefab to further improve the production process of its hollow-core slabs. The machine also allows a significant increase in production speed. Add the machine's precise adjustability and easy maintenance and you have a perfect solution for the efficient and future-oriented production of hollow-core slabs. Currently, the supplied machine can handle 6 holes x 200 mm and 265 mm but this will soon be expanded to 8 holes x 200 mm and 4 holes x 320 mm.

When an extruder is used, a rotating screw pushes the concrete into a forming chamber and compacts it there. Behind the machine, the compacted concrete can remain and cure on site. The X-Liner® FC extruder is specifically designed for the production of prestressed hollow-core slabs, is based on proven technology and stands for optimum ease of use. These assets can easily make the difference in terms of efficiency and speed of the production process, thus safeguarding the user's competitiveness.

Olthof hollow-core slabs in practice

Ductile slabs from Olthof Prefab are used daily in residential and commercial construction. The company currently produces hollow-core slabs in 200 mm and 265 mm, both of which can also be supplied in an insulated version. With the purchase of the new pipe slab machine, Olthof Prefab can meet the increasing demand to plan pipe work already during the production of pipe slabs, with the great advantage of supplying slabs with slots ex-factory. Once installed, these slots can be fitted with the necessary piping. The later planned 320 mm plate will be used particularly in commercial construction for long spans and heavy loads.